Rwandan cinema has been making strides over the past few years, with a host of movies making headlines at top national and international festivals. Filmmakers have been releasing a variety of new movies and this year was no exception. Our cinema writer Alice Umutesi presents to you a curated selection of engaging films, most of which are available via YouTube for you to watch. ALSO READ: Five stars taking Rwandan film industry by storm The Tale of Salima ‘The Tale of Salima’ is an animated short film by Amuri Patel, a Rwandan 2D animator and illustrator. It shares the inspiring story of Salima Mukansanga, Rwanda’s first female international football referee. The film shows the challenges she faced throughout her career and shows how perseverance can lead to success. Salima’s journey, marked by her determination and discipline, inspires many young people, especially young women aspiring to become referees, to chase their dreams. Mukansanga, who spent twelve years officiating football matches on the pitch, recently announced that she is giving her refereeing career a new direction as she looks to focus on Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Didy The film by actor Gaël Kamilindi tells the story of his mother, Claudine Didy Kamilindi, who lived through the intense humanitarian crises that affected Central Africa in recent decades. Didy’s journey took her from Rwanda to Kinshasa, DR Congo, via Burundi, navigating a life shaped by ethnic conflict and displacement, yet marked by an astonishing resilience. Set against the backdrop of the Great Lakes region during the 1980s and 90s, the film captures the vibrant, music-filled culture of Kinshasa and the challenges of a youth facing both HIV and looming political strife. As Gaël retraces his mother's life through family testimonies, he uncovers the strength and resilience of those who endured these hardships. Didy’s life tragically ended in Bujumbura, caught between the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the AIDS epidemic, two defining tragedies of Central Africa. Through this exploration, Gaël reconnects with his heritage and discovers the joy and energy that helped his mother and others survive. ‘Didy’ is a powerful reminder of human resilience, showing the strength to overcome and renew even in the face of immense loss. ALSO READ: Shuwa Dilu series: A fresh take on Rwandan sitcom Isi Dutuye: The World We Live In ‘Isi Dutuye’ is a YouTube series featuring a diverse cast of actors and actresses. Each episode presents a unique storyline, showing various life challenges and lessons on resilience. It shows that, while obstacles are a part of life, they can sometimes be resolved. The series includes numerous episodes, but what's especially engaging is that each story stands alone, viewers can enjoy any episode without watching them in order. Isi Dutuye is a production of BahAfrica Entertainment, created by Rwandan actress Janet Bahavu Usanase. It features renowned characters like Robert Mutabazi, also known as MC Nario, Paru Rukundo, Esther Ingabire, Why Me? ‘Why Me?’ is a short film that tells the story of a woman who earns money through prostitution. When she returns to her husband, he eventually discovers the truth and decides to leave her. The film then follows his journey of rebuilding his life and finding success. Released in August, this powerful narrative explores themes of betrayal, resilience, and personal growth. A Divine Journey This documentary tells the story of Divine Mugisha, a young changemaker determined to rise above the challenges of extreme poverty. The film follows her courageous path as she pursues a psychology degree to help address depression and prevent suicide in underprivileged and refugee communities. Released in 2023, the film became available on YouTube in August, reaching a wider audience with its inspiring message.
